Love and dating in Canberra

Life in Canberra can be infused with politics, the city being the Australian capital and home of Parliament House. However, Canberra was built to settle the dispute of which city should be Australia’s capital, and it is named after the indigenous name for the site, Kanbarra, which means “meeting place”.

At eHarmony we aim to minimise the fuss, providing a modern-day meeting place for compatible Canberra singles who have similar beliefs and values. The result: it’s easier to connect with someone special looking for a long-term relationship.

Canberra is home to a whole assortment of cultural activities and sites. With 32 being the average age of Canberrans, there is a young and energetic vibe in the city. And many singles are getting out and joining sporting clubs, soaking up the pristine natural environment or appreciating the arts, burgeoning food culture and nightlife.

eHarmony members hail from suburbs right across Canberra, from the lakes of Belconnen to the nature trails of Ainslie. And with free to review matches, what have you got to lose?

Find your Canberra match

In a populous city like Canberra dating is not always easy. Between work and socialising it can be hard to find the time to meet someone. And even if you do, it can be hard to meet compatible singles at a pub or nightclub or beyond your circle of friends. Luckily, with online dating Canberra singles have a more convenient way to find each other.

A dating website with a different approach, eHarmony can help connect you with eligible Canberra singles looking for the same things you are. Matches are pre-screened and delivered to your inbox, so there’s no need to spend time searching through endless profiles, and you’re only meeting singles you have a better chance of connecting with.

What’s different about eHarmony?

At eHarmony we have a different approach to online dating. It all starts with you. Our Relationship Questionnaire helps us get to know you first so we can find matches who are right for you.

Our Compatibility Matching System™ will then connect you with singles who match you on key dimensions such as character, passion, intellect and sense of humour. In other words, being compatible with someone goes much deeper than what your interests are, like whether you both like sci-fi movies, bushwalking or playing squash. We match you on the things that really matter when it comes to dating and finding a great relationship.

Dating ideas

So when you do meet someone, what’s on offer when it comes to going on dates? Canberra can be a romantic place to explore with a potential partner. Here are a few Canberra dating ideas:

First date ideas

Restaurant date: If you’re going for a meal, Chairman and Yip is a top-notch eatery, its modern Chinese fare popular with pollies. For something more low key, Debacle is close to town, and Grill’d does a mean burger. For a relaxed cafe date, Artespresso comes highly recommended for Canberra singles.

Movie date: Canberrans are lucky, as the traditional movie date can take on an individual twist. If your date is a fan of classic cinema, the Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive has regular screenings. During warmer weather outdoor screenings can be enjoyed at Garema Place and in the parks along the lake edge, and at Floriade NightFest during the spring flower festival. Dendy also shows independent and art-house films.

Animal date: Canberra boasts Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium – all your animal interactions are taken care of on the one site. Take a plunge with your date and go on the Zooventure tour, which will have you feeding dangerous animals by hand – a memorable first date.

Clubbing date: If you’re into clubbing, the growing nightlife of Canberra is ready to be explored. Try the Phoenix Pub or the Holy Grail in Kingston for live music close to the centre of town. For those who enjoy dance music and DJs, there is a variety of clubs to choose from in Civic.

More dating ideas

Biking date: With many cycle paths throughout the city and the benefit of flat terrain and leafy streets, a leisurely bike ride around town is a relaxed way to get to know a person you’ve met on a Canberra dating site. If you’re up for a lengthier ride, riding around Lake Burley Griffin will take you about two hours. For more advanced cyclists mountain biking is popular.

Park date: Canberra is completely spoilt for green space. There’s the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra Nature Park, Commonwealth Park (especially during Floriade), or for something traditionally romantic why not try the National Rose Garden? Bring a picnic to really impress a special Canberra single.

Microbrewery date: If you both enjoy a schooner or two, Canberra has a couple of boutique microbrewery pubs that create their own distinct labels. The Wig and Pen creates 10 beers on the premises, while the Zierholz Premium Brewery, located in Fishwyck, is dedicated to creating the freshest beer possible.

Theatre date: The Canberra Theatre Centre is host to several world-class performing-arts venues. You can catch the Australian Ballet, the Bell Shakespeare Company and other magnificent touring companies for a date with some culture.

eHarmony Success Story

Janelle and MatthewCanberra, ACTMatched by eHarmony, married 2008

"We both manifested that we wanted to be together and I started saving the money for the trip to Australia to see Matthew. He surprised me in saying he was paying for my ticket to see him. Once I got here we decided that we didn't want to be apart."